Shinto

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Shinto
Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo -- by enuserjpatokal
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What is Shinto?

• The Spirit Way (From Chinese Shen-Dao, way of
  the Gods, cf. kami-no-michi in Japanese)
• Ancient (?), indigenous, mythical, nature
  religion of Japan
• Called Shintoafter Buddhism (552 C.E.)
• No founder An ethnic religion of the Japanese
  people
• The root and embodiment of Japanese culture

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Early Shinto

• shamanism
• healing practices
• worship of kami
• (Deities of Shinto that are associated with
  places, certain animals, and the emperor. They
  include mythological beings, powerful and awesome
  aspects of nature, and important humans.)
• Appears to have been very flexible in
  incorporating new figures.

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Historical Overview

• In the sixth century C.E. contact with China
  introduced Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism
  (and writing)
• 14th-century concerns that Buddhism would
  overwhelm Shinto, led to some defensive
  separations.
• At the height of the Shogunate (ca. 15th-16th
  centuries) a preference for Zen by the samurai
  elite led to some declines in Shinto influence.
• Under the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912) Shinto
  became the state religion.
• After WWII, the Allies forced the Japanese
  government to become secular the Japanese
  Emperor renounced his divine status.
• Kuroda Toshio has proposed an alternative/revision
  ist history of Shinto Only in modern times has
  Shinto/kami no michi designated a specific,
  separate religion

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Shinto Mythology

• Two main texts
• Kojiki (myths of ancient times, origins of gods
  and man)
• Nihonji (ancient history of Japan)
• Of gods goddesses The Kami
• Polytheistic
• Nature deities represent and control natural
  elements and forces
• Creation myth Japan as the center of the world

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Shinto Mythology
Izanagi (male) izanami (female) (brother
sister) create the islands of Japan

• Amaterasu the Sun Goddess
• Mother of the first emperor of Japan

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Three kindsof Shinto

• Shrine/Folk Shinto
• State Shinto
• Sect Shinto

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Shrine Shinto

• Jinja (shrines) - Tens of thousands located
  throughout Japan
• Natural structure, fits in with natural
  surrounding
• Torii entry gate, separates sacred from profane
  space
• Tusbaki Grand Shrine of America
• Household shrines kamidana(kami shelf)

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Torii

• A formal gatelike structure that marks a Shinto
  sacred place or shrine.

Akumi Kanbe Shinmeisha (????????), Toyohashi,
Aichi, Japan
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Miyajima

• An island near Hiroshima in Japan that is home to
  a Shinto shrine and a Buddhist temple. A large
  orange torii stands in the ocean in front of
  Miyajima, marking the entire island as a shrine..

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Grand Shrine at Ise
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Shimenawa

• a twisted rope marking a sacred or holy spot.

Shimenawa at the Izumo-Taisha
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Temizuya

• an ablution pavilion where worshipers purify
  themselves by washing face and hands before
  approaching the kami.

Kotoku-in, Kamakura ?Photo by Linda Freeman, July
6, 2003
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Enshrined Kami

• The (symbol of the) kami remain hidden from
  public view
• Sometimes the symbol of the kami can be an
  anthropomorphic figure, but that is rare.
• Inscriptions on paper or cloth symbolize the
  kami.
• The three treasures sword, a mirror, and a jewel
  (comma-shaped stone)

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Shinto Worship

• Worship can take place at home, at a shrine, or
  at festivals
• The default mode/model is the invidual visiting
  the shrine
• Enter at the torii
• Approaches the temizuya for purification ritual
• Approaches the shrine, avoiding the middle path
  to leave room for the kami
• Places a coin in the donation box, rings the bell
  (to summon the kami)
• Bows twice
• Claps twice
• Prayer
• Bows once
• (sometimes more bows and claps are customary)
• Oracles may be given, Charms purchased, etc.)

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State Shinto

• Meiji period (1868) end of WWII
• Emphasis on Japanese culture and nationality
  (elimination of foreign influences)
• Emperors of Japan as divine
• Hierarchy of shrines
• Main shrine at Ise dedicated to Amaterasu
• Palace shrines honoring Amaterasu, other kami,
  and emperors
• Shrines elsewhere dedicated to national heroes
• 97 of remaining shrines dedicated to local kami

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Sect Shinto

• 13 recognized sects
• NGOs
• Many founded in 19th century
• Specific founders and texts
• Unique teachings and practices
• Some combine Shinto with influences from Buddhism
  or other religions

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The FourAffirmations

• Tradition and Family
• Love of Nature
• Physical cleanliness
• Matsuri festivals that worship and honor the Kami

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Shinto PracticesTradition and Family

• Life cycle celebrations take place at shrines
• Newborn Baby
• 7-5-3 festival blessings for boys age 5, girls
  ages 3 7
• Entry to adulthood (age 20)
• Marriage
• (since Shinto celebrates life in this world, in
  death, the Japanese may turn to Buddhist rather
  than Shinto rituals)

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Shinto Practices

• Love of Nature
• Annual cycle of seasonal festivals
• Physical Cleanliness
• Misoji - Water purification rites to wash away
  impurity, thus restoring original purity

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Shinto on the Web

• Ancient Japan Shinto Creation Stories
  http//www.wsu.edu/dee/ANCJAPAN/CREAT.HTM
• Visit a Shinto shrine on-line Tsubaki Grand
  Shrine of America http//www.tsubakishrine.com
• The Shinto Online Network Association
  http//www.jinja.or.jp/english/s-0.html